Recent advancements in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology have not only cracked important and fundamental problems in life sciences, but also emerged as a mainstay of science and technologies of the 21st century. Innovations from advances in these fields have substantially transformed our daily lives, society and environment. This Major offers specialized training in state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology, and in the translation of basic knowledge into modern industrial and medical applications. Students will be able to gain an understanding of cutting edge molecular biology and biotechnological applications, ranging from exploitation of bioactive substances, genetic engineering for agricultural production, fisheries and aquaculture, biomedical researches for pharmaceutical and clinical purposes, biofuels as alternative energy sources, bioremediation for cleaning up contaminated environments, and wastewater treatment. Built upon a sound theoretical foundation, students will further develop variousessential skills in molecular biology and biotechnology through hands-on laboratory trainings and experimental biology-based projects. A feature of this major is to provide key transferable skills by engaging students in inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving in their learning.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this programme, students should be able to:

PLO 1 :

describe key concepts in molecular biology and modern biotechnology using knowledge from cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, omics and systems biology
(by means of coursework and laboratory-based and/or research-based opportunities in the curriculum)

PLO 2 :

apply laboratory techniques essential to modern molecular science
(by means of coursework and laboratory-based and/or research-based opportunities in the curriculum)

PLO 3 :

communicate in written and oral communication skills and collaborate with other students effectively
(by means of coursework, research-based learning and presentation opportunities in the curriculum)

PLO 4 :

acquire scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills, including the ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate debated problems in the field and develop solutions, and appraise the related ethical issues
(by means of coursework and laboratory-based and/or research-based opportunities in the curriculum)

PLO 5 :

gain insights into real-life experience in the applications of biotechnology for human health, agriculture, and the environment
(by means of coursework, laboratory-based and experiential learning in the curriculum)

Impermissible Combination:

Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

Required courses (96 credits)

1. Introductory level courses (42 credits)

Disciplinary Core Courses: Science Foundation Courses (12 credits)

SCNC1111

Scientific method and reasoning (6)

SCNC1112

Fundamentals of modern science (6)

Disciplinary Core Courses (24 credits)

BIOL1110

From molecules to cells (6)

BIOL2102

Biostatistics (6)

BIOL2103

Biological sciences laboratory course (6)

BIOL2220

Principles of biochemistry (6)

Take either BIOL2220 or BIOC2600 to fulfill this 24 credits requirement, but not both. BIOL2220 and BIOC2600 are mutually exclusive.

BIOC2600

Basic biochemistry (6)

Take either BIOL2220 or BIOC2600 to fulfill this 24 credits requirement, but not both. BIOL2220 and BIOC2600 are mutually exclusive.

Disciplinary Electives (6 credits)

BIOL1309

Evolutionary diversity (6)

Take either BIOL1309 or BIOL2306 to fulfill this 6 credits requirement, but not both.

BIOL2306

Ecology and evolution (6)

Take either BIOL1309 or BIOL2306 to fulfill this 6 credits requirement, but not both.

2. Advanced level courses (48 credits)

Disciplinary Core Courses (30 credits)

BIOL3401

Molecular biology (6)

BIOL3402

Cell biology and cell technology (6)

BIOL3508

Microbial physiology and biotechnology (6)

BIOL4411

Plant and food biotechnology (6)

BIOL4415

Healthcare biotechnology (6)

Disciplinary Electives (18 credits)

At least 18 credits selected from the following courses:

BIOL3403

Immunology (6)

BIOL3404

Protein structure and function (6)

BIOL3406

Reproduction and reproductive biotechnology (6)

BIOL3408

Genetics (6)

BIOL3409

Business aspects of biotechnology (6)

BIOL4401

Medical microbiology and applied immunology (6)

BIOL4409

General virology (6)

BIOL4416

Stem cells and regenerative biology (6)

BIOL4417

'Omics' and systems biology (6)

ENVS4110

Environmental remediation (6)

3. Capstone requirement (6 credits)

At least 6 credits selected from the following courses:

BIOL3993

Directed studies in Molecular biology & biotechnology (6)

BIOL4963

Molecular biology & biotechnology internship (6)

BIOL4993

Molecular biology & biotechnology project (12)

Notes:

1. Double-counting of courses up to a maximum of 24 credits is permissible when a student with a science major opts to undertake a second major in science. The double-counted courses must include SCNC1111 Scientific method and reasoning (6 credits) and SCNC1112 Fundamentals of modern science (6 credits). Additional credits to be double-counted must be for courses required ('disciplinary core') by both majors. For cases with 24 or less double-counted credits, the student must make up an equivalent number of credits by taking other courses offered by any Faculty.

2. If more than 24 credits (including SCNC1111 & SCNC1112) are listed as required courses ("disciplinary core") in both the first and second majors undertaken by a student, the student must make up the number of credits above the 24 permissible by taking replacement course(s) (disciplinary electives) in the second major. Double counting of credits is not permissible for major-minor or double-minors combinations. For details, please refer to "Students taking double Majors, Major-Minor or double Minors with overlapping course requirements" in the BSc syllabuses.

3. Students are not required to take Capstone if this Science major is taken as a second major on the condition that the capstone experience in the first major requires the integration or application of knowledge from both major disciplines. If this is approved, a 6-credit advanced level course (disciplinary electives) in the second major must be taken to fulfill the credit requirement of the capstone experience.

4. Capstone requirement for BEd&BSc degree students is different. Students are required to take an additional 6-credit advanced level course (disciplinary electives) in the major to replace the capstone requirement of this Major. Students should consult the Faculty of Education for details.

Remarks:

Important! Ultimate responsibility rests with students to ensure that the required pre-requisites and co-requisite of selected courses are fulfilled. Students must take and pass all required courses in the
selected primary science major
in order to satisfy the degree graduation requirements.